Drew McIntyre WWE Championship Reign caused a major stir on the January 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown when he overcame Cody Rhodes, ending Rhodes’ acclaimed run and capturing the WWE Championship. In a surprising outcome thanks, in part, to the interference of the returning Jacob Fatu, McIntyre now sits atop WWE’s main event scene, prompting speculation about the direction of his reign and its impact leading up to WrestleMania 41.
Why Drew McIntyre’s Title Victory Matters for His Career
Throughout the last few years, Drew McIntyre has consistently been one of WWE’s standout performers, even while the company spotlighted superstars such as Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Bron Breakker. Breaking back into the main event has been a challenge, with McIntyre often working against the odds to receive top-tier opportunities amid fierce competition and shifting creative priorities under Triple H.
Fans have continuously rallied behind McIntyre, expressing a strong desire to see him reclaim a world championship beyond the short-lived reign he experienced at WrestleMania 40. His recent heel work during the latter part of 2023 and into 2024 drew particular praise, making this title win not just a reward for his efforts but a highlight for his legacy. Returning as WWE Champion, even for a limited time, is significant for McIntyre, who last held a substantial reign during his run as RAW’s top hero through the pandemic era in 2021.
This victory, especially by defeating a major name like Cody Rhodes following a dramatic match in Germany, marks a critical step for McIntyre as he regains momentum and solidifies his status among WWE’s elite. The narrative behind his resurgence and the strong emotional investment from fans illustrate why this reign is meaningful, regardless of its duration.
The Unpredictable Road to WrestleMania With a Transitional Champion
McIntyre’s position as WWE Champion redefines expectations for the Road to WrestleMania, introducing an air of unpredictability that has recently been missing from the build-up to WWE’s signature event. Historically, fans have often been able to anticipate headlining WrestleMania matches, with world title pictures falling into a predictable pattern. The shock of McIntyre’s win has disrupted these assumptions, opening numerous pathways for how the WrestleMania 42 main event could take shape.
Although the company has the option to circle back to the much-teased Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes showdown, the upcoming Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber events mean the world championship field remains open. Monday Night RAW further highlighted the array of potential contenders—Randy Orton and Sami Zayn have openly declared their ambitions, while Jacob Fatu’s timely return and Oba Femi’s unresolved rivalry with McIntyre present fresh possibilities. Cody Rhodes, having lost his title, is now a key figure in pursuit of redemption and revenge, making for an intriguing title scene.
With so many variables in play, McIntyre’s short-term role as champion serves a pivotal purpose, adding an element of suspense and keeping audiences engaged as new storylines emerge at a crucial moment in WWE’s annual calendar.
New Matchups and Tournament Stakes Refresh WWE’s Main Event Scene
For a prolonged period, WWE’s championship storylines had become stagnant, with a lengthy feud between McIntyre and Rhodes limiting creative matchups and causing fan interest to wane. McIntyre’s victory instantly revitalizes this division, especially considering that Rhodes had retained the title for a staggering 537 out of the past 642 days, leaving little room for innovation.
WWE has responded to this shake-up by organizing a tournament to determine McIntyre’s challenger at the Royal Rumble, introducing a competitive edge and setting the stage for potential new rivalries. This tournament features notable stars including Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Ilja Dragunov, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams, all of whom bring their own unique style and credibility to the championship chase. Furthermore, names such as Oba Femi and Jacob Fatu loom on the sidelines, ready to alter the landscape should they be given opportunities.
Amid these fresh developments, McIntyre’s reign arrives at a crucial time for WWE. While his stint with the title may serve as a transitional moment, it creates compelling obstacles for Cody Rhodes’ path back to contention, and injects a sense of excitement and anticipation into programming as fans speculate on future outcomes.
Drew McIntyre’s surprise WWE Championship win marks a turning point for the organization’s storytelling, infusing the WrestleMania season with unpredictability and new excitement. As the Road to WrestleMania 42 unfolds, WWE is leveraging McIntyre’s position to keep fans eager for each new development, ensuring the main event picture feels more dynamic than it has in years. Whether McIntyre’s reign is short or long, its influence on the company’s biggest event and on the superstars vying for the top spot is already clear and far-reaching.
